computer optimization

[gavinhodges00]

I know the basic steps to optimize the computer deleting temporary files and cookies . please give me some more steps if anybody knows.

 

Thanks

Edited January 27, 2009 by gavinhodges00

[BeeCeeBee]

I am not a vista user Gavin however I am one of those people that believe that defragging does really help in tweaking performance. If you havn't done it lately at least let it analyze.

 

If you are going to defrag, do it in safe mode.

Edited January 27, 2009 by BeeCeeBee

[KenB]

Hi,

 

Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.

Select "All files on this computer"

 

You can run Defrag from System Tools too.

 

Download CCleaner from here:

CCleaner - Home

Install > update > run

Do not use the registry option.

This clears out unwanted files etc.

 

Download MBAM from here

Malwarebytes.org

This will check for malware and remove it.

Install > update > run

 

Check that you have at least 10 - 15 % disk space free.

Start > Computer > right click C:\ > Properties

If not your system will run slower and you will find defragmenting possibly a problem.

If you do have less than 10% create more space by deleting unwanted programs and moving large files ( photos / videos ) to an external drive or DVD,

 

Suggest that you defrag after you do the rest of the cleanup proceedures.

[BeeCeeBee]

Good additions and suggestions Ken,

 

Both of the programs suggested are part of Extreme Tech Support - Free PC Help's disinfection process. The use of CCleaner will also speed up the defrag process.

 

For Gavin's benefit, the reason I suggested using safemode is that there will be no processes running (screensavers, etc.) that can interfere with the defrag.

[iwillbekingin2030]

Vista Optimization.

 

start/allprograms/accessories/systemtools/defrag

start/allprograms/accessories/systemtools/diskcleanup

 

the pre-installed defrager works fine. on my last defrag i free'd up 13 gb's

using diskcleanup you can delete cookies, recyclebin files, temporary internet files, thumbnails...i would stay away from the more options tab though.:p

[Dalo Harkin]

In terms of optimization - depending on what you have on your PC and if you have more than one drive -

Delete any unnecessay items in add/remove - then manually navigate to C:\ program files and if there are any old folders in there that you no longer use - say for example you used Roxio and then upgraded to Nero - if you uninstall Roxio from the add/remove there will still be some files lurking in the program files that belong to Roxio - remove them and any other obsolete files and then do the defrag.

 

Defrags only really help if you have large files like games installed

[gavinhodges00]

Thanks a lot for lot's of information.

[Mara]

And may I too make a suggestion ...

 

Re those pesky bits and pieces Dalo mentioned that are left behind when one uninstalls a program ... since I test a lot of various photo/image editing programs those pesky bits and pieces were all starting to add up. Yet, rummaging around finding and deleting them was nerve-wracking lest I delete something vital.

 

Wonder what others think of this wonderful little free program called 'Revo Uninstaller' as I simply love it. So easy to use and understand, yet all those bits and pieces disappear along with the actual program no longer wanted when using Revo to do the Uninstall, rather than the regular Windows 'Add/Delete'.

 

Revo Uninstaller Freeware - Uninstall Software, Remove Programs, Solve uninstall problems